Pick my Spinning Reel

[JWall14]

Recently got a 7’3 M XF st croix victory. Very similar to the 872 loomis blanks. Looking for a setup I can beat to death and not worry about breaking. My other spinning combos are high end and I would like a cheaper but still nice combo to use for rivers and be able to beat up a little. Prefer a size 2500 reel in the $100-$200 price point. It’s flexible so convince me to spend a little more and I probably will! What would y’all get?

 

*I do enjoy getting JDM reels at Asian fishing portal to save money and as of now am looking at a 2020 Daiwa Luvias for around $210. Any other cool JDM reels would definitely be interesting

[Kdizzle]

 Daiwa Tatula.   Great reel and doesn't(really) break the bank.  300 is the size I usually go after.

[NYWayfarer]

Shimano Nasci

[Revival]

Vanford 2500

 

 

[Nelson Delaney]

7 minutes ago, Revival said:

Vanford 2500

 

 

I second this

[PBBrandon]

Daiwa Tatula 2500. I’ve used this and the Vanford, and I prefer the Tatula. Both are fantastic reels that leave nothing to be desired and it really comes down to if you want the extra water protection on the vanford

[bulldog1935]

I'll vote for Stradic as the all-time best buy in a workhorse spinning reel. 

 

Here are the JDM sizes

[Darth-Baiter]

I say Vanford 2500, but it’s a fairly delicate reel.  That bail wire is thin. Great reel tho.  
 

my Procyon AL is much more robust.  It’s been thru airline luggage handlers.

[JustJames]

It is gonna be hard to find anything better than Luvias at 200 price point. You got air bail, Zaion rotor plus Zaion frame (not the new heavy ZaionV).
I would own one since last year if it is not because of MQ body tool (another 30-50bucks) and Magseal. If Daiwa plan to make all reel with MQ body I might eventually own one. Strong point of MQ body is very rigid body plus oversized gear and even more water proof.

At that time I have Ballistic FW, pretty much the same without MQ and Magseal. The reel is incredible smooth and very low inertia.

If I gonna get Luvias now would be FC (finesse Custom model). They seem to use 1000 frame across the FC models. Hint the difference in weight between FC2500 @ 5.5oz vs 2500 @ 6.3oz. To me the 1000 gear is strong enough for regular bass fishing.

Now though Tatula LT is harder to beat at 50-60 cheaper. I wouldn’t need any other reels if Tatula offer slower gear ratio.

 

 

 

[Columbia Craw]

Daiwa Caldia 2500 for $133 

[inferiorfisherman]

JDM Luvias or JDM Abu garcia Zenon are the best values right now.  High end reels at mid level prices.  I recently picked up 2 Zenon for $215 each and a Luvias for $195.   

However, you mentioned beating it up, and based on the rod you have chosen I would expect it to be tip heavy like every st croix rod I have used.  for that reason I would get the JDM stradic with a shallow spool (if you use braid).  These reels are tanks and that little bit of extra weight will come in handy to balance the rod, but they are not very heavy for a metal reel.  

[Revival]

Surprised to see the Luvias is made in China.  Is it exclusive to JDM sites?

 

 

[JS8588]

3 hours ago, Revival said:

Surprised to see the Luvias is made in China.  Is it exclusive to JDM sites?

 

 

Luvias was disco'd in the US Market. I'd spend a little extra & grab a Certate. It will balance the rod better and they are smoother than even the Luvias.

[Spankey]

15 hours ago, NYWayfarer said:

Shimano Nasci

I’d have to second the NASCI. 

[JWall14]

6 hours ago, inferiorfisherman said:

JDM Luvias or JDM Abu garcia Zenon are the best values right now.  High end reels at mid level prices.  I recently picked up 2 Zenon for $215 each and a Luvias for $195.   

However, you mentioned beating it up, and based on the rod you have chosen I would expect it to be tip heavy like every st croix rod I have used.  for that reason I would get the JDM stradic with a shallow spool (if you use braid).  These reels are tanks and that little bit of extra weight will come in handy to balance the rod, but they are not very heavy for a metal reel.  

I was thinking along the same lines balancing wise. Stratic would be a great pairing to balance it and they are great workhorse reels. I could always put a certate I own on the croix and put a luvias on an enforcer orochi but that may lead to the same balance issues with the enforcer.

 

2 hours ago, JS8588 said:

Luvias was disco'd in the US Market. I'd spend a little extra & grab a Certate. It will balance the rod better and they are smoother than even the Luvias.

I do already own a certate that will be on an enforcer orochi and love that reel. Definitely would be an amazing pairing but it is an extra $90ish so that’s the only negative.